Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Tuesday that a motion to bring former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro before the Tribunal of State is probable, but success is not guaranteed.
Coalition to Present Tribunal of State Motion
On Tuesday, Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced that coalition leaders in the Sejm will submit a preliminary motion to bring Zbigniew Ziobro before the Tribunal of State.
Tusk on Accountability and Legal Limitations
Responding to questions in Tokyo, Tusk indicated the motion’s submission is “likely,” emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those who “stole or abused power or misused public funds.” He acknowledged Poland’s legal system is “imperfect, and in places very bad.”
Tusk referenced the Hungarian opposition’s recent electoral victory, contrasting it with the narrower margin of his own coalition’s win in 2023, which he said creates “real limitations.”
Commitment to Legal Action
The Prime Minister affirmed his willingness to act decisively, but “always within the framework of the law.” He reiterated the need to improve the legal system through further electoral success rather than by breaking the law.
Tusk stated that the process of holding the previous government accountable is “too slow” due to “objective legal circumstances.”
Realistic Expectations for Tribunal of State Proceedings
Tusk cautioned against unrealistic expectations regarding the Tribunal of State. While the coalition can initiate the process, he noted the current composition of the Tribunal and the parliamentary majority required for conviction present significant hurdles.
Previous Investigation and Initial Steps
In November 2025, the Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek informed the Speaker of the Sejm of charges against Ziobro, potentially triggering a constitutional review and a possible Tribunal of State case.
Earlier this year, coalition MPs began collecting signatures for a preliminary motion regarding the Tribunal of State for Ziobro, with the motion expected to be considered in early April.
Voting Requirements for Tribunal of State
A motion to hold a minister accountable before the Tribunal of State requires a preliminary submission signed by at least 115 MPs. The motion is then referred to the Commission for Constitutional Responsibility, which investigates and prepares a report for the Sejm. The Sejm requires a three-fifths majority (276 votes) to proceed, with at least half of the statutory number of MPs present.
Allegations Against Ziobro
Investigators accuse Ziobro of leading a criminal group and abusing his position for criminal activities, including 26 alleged offenses. These include issuing unlawful directives to subordinates to secure grants from the Justice Fund for favored entities, interfering with tender processes, and authorizing funds to ineligible recipients.
An ongoing investigation by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zamość concerns alleged repression against Świętokrzyski prosecutor Waldemar Pionka, potentially implicating Bogdan Święczkowski, the current President of the Constitutional Tribunal.
